1. Lose weight
2. Exercise more
3. Spend more time with family and friends
4. Enjoy life more
5. Learn something new
6. Help others
7. Quit smoking
8. Get out of debt
9. Quit drinking
10. Get organized

I am happy to tell you that HMNS has got you covered for seven out of 10 of these common resolutions. How can this be, you ask? Read on.

Under the auspices of “Lose weight and exercise more,” Carolyn Leap and I did an experiment the other day. Since the Museum has expanded so much in the past year, Carolyn and I were curious about just how much more Museum there was to cover. We got out our trundle wheel (which falls into the category of “totally reasonable thing to have at a science museum”) and we headed for the front door. Our plan was to measure from the front doors of the Museum through every permanent exhibit hall in the shortest route without backtracking. This meant no stopping at specific displays as well as some pretty particular route planning.

Through many patrons and a few curious toddlers, we clicked our way around the Museum, and we were quite pleased with the results! We counted 1,600 meters in our short ‘n sweet route ‘round the Museum, which translates to about a mile of exhibit space. Carolyn calculated an approximately 30 percent increase in mileage if you wanted to look at all the cases or if you doubled back through any of the halls.

Our vast new wing means that a walk through our halls is a serious calorie-burner

So that takes care of the first two most common resolutions. What about the rest?

While you are here getting all that exercise, you are bound to be spending time with family or friends anyway (No. 3) and enjoying life more (No. 4) while you learn something new (No. 5). There is actually quite a bit of research showing the link between aerobic activity and learning, so walking the halls of the Museum really will help you learn something new! Plus, studies show there are tons of benefits to having a fitness buddy, so bringing your friends and family to the Museum for a walk really is a great way to start your new year.

As to No. 6 on the list, “Help others,” Amy C. wrote a great blog not too long ago outlining some of the ways that the Museum gives back to the community and how you can help. I would also suggest taking a look at the volunteer page on our website.

Finally, resolution No. 7: Granted, this one is a bit of a stretch, BUT you can’t smoke at the Museum, so checking out the exhibits here will help keep your mind occupied and fill up your time if you’re trying to kick the habit.